Portuguese Egg Tarts

Instructions for Making Portuguese Egg Tarts

Making Portuguese Egg Tarts from scratch is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to get these tarts just right.

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   • If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. If the dough is too thick, roll it thinner to ensure a light and flaky texture when baked.
   • Cut the puff pastry into small squares or circles that are about 3-4 inches wide (depending on the size of your tart molds or muffin tin). You’ll need a tart pan with a removable bottom, or you can use a muffin tin to shape the tarts.
   • Gently press the pastry into the molds, ensuring the edges come up the sides to form a shell. Place the filled tart molds in the refrigerator while you prepare the custard filling.
2. Prepare the Egg Custard Filling:
   • In a saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and lemon zest (if using) to infuse the milk with flavor. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t scorch. Once the milk mixture is warm, remove it from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick and lemon zest.
   • In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture in a thin stream while whisking constantly. This helps temper the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.
   • Once combined, pour the custard mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
   • Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool slightly before filling the pastry shells.
3. Assemble the Tarts:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Take the prepared tart shells out of the refrigerator. Carefully fill each shell with the custard mixture, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion during baking.
   • Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the custard is set and the tops of the tarts are golden brown with dark, caramelized spots. The pastry should be crisp and golden as well.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Once the tarts are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the molds.
   • Before serving, sprinkle the tarts with a light dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar (if desired) to enhance their flavor.
   • Serve warm, and enjoy the buttery, creamy goodness of these traditional Portuguese tarts!

Tips for Perfect Portuguese Egg Tarts

• Use High-Quality Puff Pastry: The key to a flaky, crispy crust is using high-quality puff pastry. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own puff pastry, but store-bought options work just as well for a quicker and more convenient approach.
• Infuse the Milk: The cinnamon stick and lemon zest add a lovely depth of flavor to the custard. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it does make a noticeable difference.
• Watch the Baking Time: The custard filling should be set but still slightly wobbly in the center when done. The caramelized spots on top of the custard are a sign that the tarts are perfectly baked.
• Serve Fresh: Portuguese egg tarts are best served fresh and warm, straight from the oven. They can be stored for a day or two at room temperature, but they lose their crispy texture when stored for longer.

Why You’ll Love Portuguese Egg Tarts

Portuguese Egg Tarts are the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy puff pastry contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy custard filling. The caramelized top adds a delightful sweetness, while the hint of cinnamon and vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile. Every bite is a little piece of pastry heaven.

Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion, sharing them with friends and family, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these egg tarts are sure to become a favorite. Their rich, indulgent flavor combined with the lightness of the puff pastry makes them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.

Conclusion

Portuguese Egg Tarts are a delightful treat that brings a taste of Portugal right into your kitchen. The crispy, flaky pastry combined with the velvety egg custard filling makes these tarts an unforgettable dessert. While they may take a little time to prepare, the results are well worth the effort. Once you’ve had a bite of these golden, creamy pastries, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved part of Portuguese culinary culture.

Treat yourself to a taste of tradition and make these Pastéis de Nata the next time you’re craving something sweet, buttery, and absolutely irresistible!